Invest in Rural America & SelectUSA Rural EDO Designation Opportunities at the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit 

SelectUSA is featuring two new opportunities — the Invest in Rural America and SelectUSA Rural EDO Designation opportunities — for rural and tribal Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) to participate in the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit and engage with vetted foreign companies interested in investing in their communities. 

Invest in Rural America Opportunity

Rural and tribal EDOs attending the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit for the first time may apply to receive:

  • Two complimentary full registrations (up to 25 EDOs may be selected)
  • Hotel accommodations at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, May 3–6, 2026 (up to 5 EDOs will be selected through a random lottery to receive one double-occupancy room each)
  • Rural EDO Designation, recognizing their participation in the Invest in Rural America programming and activities at the Investment Summit
  • Access to exclusive data and marketing tools to support investment promotion efforts
  • Participation in virtual preparatory programming ahead of the Investment Summit, designed to help EDOs maximize their experience and engagement with international investors
  • Investor networking opportunities with vetted international companies at the Investment Summit 
     

Rural EDO Designation Opportunity

Rural and tribal EDOs that have previously attended the Investment Summit may apply for the Rural EDO Designation, which provides access to the Invest in Rural America programming and related activities at the event.  

This opportunity includes:

  • Rural EDO Designation, recognizing their participation in the Invest in Rural America programming and activities at the Investment Summit
  • Access to exclusive data and marketing tools to support investment promotion efforts
  • Participation in virtual preparatory programming ahead of the Investment Summit
  • Investor networking opportunities with vetted international companies at the Investment Summit 
     

Availability and Selection

Up to 50 eligible rural and tribal EDOs will be approved across both opportunities, with a maximum of two EDOs per state or territory — whichever comes first.

  • Priority will be given to first-time attendees, who may receive two complimentary full registrations and hotel accommodation.
  • The application deadline is December 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Early application is strongly encouraged. Selections may close before the deadline if capacity is reached.
  • Applications received after December 1 will be considered on a space-available basis until March 1, 2026 (no applications will be considered after this date). 
     

Application Timeline

  • Application Opens: September 29, 2025
  • Application Deadline: December 1, 2025, 11:59 PM EST
  • Applications received after the deadline may be considered on a space-available basis until March 1, 2026
     

How to Apply

  • Eligible rural and tribal EDOs interested in participating in Invest in Rural America and Rural EDO Designation Opportunities are encouraged to apply by the deadline. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until capacity is reached.


For questions or further information, please contact SUSAEvents@trade.gov.